Certification of RES installers for photovoltaics and heat pumps

at the COCH Accredited Training Centre in Kraków

The photovoltaic market in Poland is currently developing very dynamically. Taking into account statistical data from across Europe, Poland ranks first in terms of the growth rate of the photovoltaic market over the past five years. According to Polish Power System (PSE) data, installed PV capacity in 2020 increased by 200% compared with the previous year and amounted to 3,935.74 MW. Forecasts for 2021 are equally promising, especially in the context of announced regulatory changes. Poland’s Energy Policy until 2040 assumes further intensive growth of installed capacity in photovoltaics. In 2030, installed capacity is planned to reach 5–7 GW, while by 2040 this value may increase even to 10–16 GW. According to PSE analysis, significantly more ambitious targets are achievable, assuming in a positive scenario up to 20 GW of installed capacity by 2025. Solar energy will be used increasingly widely to meet growing demand for cooling and to cover peak demand for electricity in the summer months. Installed capacity from micro-installations in 2020 accounted for as much as 77% of total installed PV capacity. This is due to the entry into force of the “My Electricity” programme supporting the development of prosumer energy. The programme’s premise is co-financing of PV installations of 2–10 kW in the form of a one-off grant covering up to 50% of eligible micro-installation costs. Beneficiaries in this case are natural persons producing electricity for their own needs who have concluded an agreement with the network owner regulating the rules for feeding electricity generated in the micro-installation into the grid. Implementation of the programme is one of the main factors that have contributed to the dynamic growth of photovoltaics relative to other RES technologies.

Promising prospects

The development of solar energy is currently focused on seeking new materials for cell production, raising module efficiency, and developing energy storage methods. The last aspect is the greatest challenge; ensuring it would allow generation levels to be matched to consumption, with a resulting effect on the stable operation of PV-based systems. Also important is the successfully pursued reduction of the cost of generating electricity from photovoltaic panels. Significant development is recorded in the technology for manufacturing the modules themselves. PERC panels, so-called half-cell panels and bifacial panels are being introduced to the market. Each of these technologies increases the performance and efficiency of installed PV systems. Another direction in which PV installation development is heading is reducing the land area they occupy. Installations are appearing that operate on water, using specially designed bifacial modules of nearly 500 W, and with innovative panel construction enabling so-called agrivoltaics – a specially designed structure makes it possible to arrange panels in arches under which vegetation is grown (the panels provide crop protection, which is an additional advantage [4, 5]). Combining a photovoltaic installation with a heat pump is also becoming popular. The development of both technologies drives each other, and their cooperation in one system usually consists in the prosumer, making use of energy settlement arrangements, treating the power system as an energy store. Under still applicable regulations, in the summer season surplus electricity produced is fed into the grid, which is then drawn in winter when the heat pump’s work for building heating is intensified. Another example of integration of these two systems is a situation in which the heat pump is used in summer to cool the building. In this case the peak performance of the photovoltaic cells coincides with the highest demand of the heat pump compressor operating in cooling mode for electricity. Pursuant to the Act of 20 February 2015 on renewable energy sources (Journal of Laws 2015, item 478), a person involved in installing photovoltaic systems may apply for a certificate confirming appropriate theoretical knowledge and practical skills to implement an electricity generation system in an efficient and safe manner.

Professionals worth their weight in gold

Observing the intensive development of the renewable energy market, it is worth noting how important properly trained installation fitters are in this development. Installers are responsible for correct installation and, as a consequence, also for the safe operation of the installation. Installing a PV system is a complex matter, as it covers technical issues from the construction and electrical trades as well as legal and economic aspects. Complexity and difficulty are compounded by continuous changes and technology development. The above issues have created strong demand for competent, qualified installers working in photovoltaics. In Poland, as in other countries where strong interest in PV technology is recorded, a special certification system has been created. Pursuant to the Act of 20 February 2015 on renewable energy sources (Journal of Laws 2015, item 478), a person involved in installing photovoltaic systems may apply for a certificate confirming appropriate theoretical knowledge and practical skills to implement an electricity generation system in an efficient and safe manner. An installer carrying out a photovoltaic installation must be aware of obvious issues that can reduce the efficiency and safety of PV system operation, such as the influence of the type of panels and inverters selected, the orientation of the installation relative to the cardinal directions, or the tilt of the panels. Less obvious but frequent errors in photovoltaic installation mounting include selection of unsuitable hooks or incorrect mounting of them, leading to damage to the roof covering as a result of excessive pressure on the tile surface. Hooks of various shapes adapted to a given type of tile are commonly used. In the case of roofs made of sheet metal or metal roofing tiles, where installation is carried out using studs drilled into the rafters, incorrect execution and sealing of the hole may lead to corrosion and water leakage at that point. Ensuring adequate support for photovoltaic modules is also very important, so the use of rails that are too short or spacing them outside the appropriate range is unacceptable. Leaving unshielded cables exposed to corrosion risk, or selecting washers of an inappropriate class or clamping modules with clamps when they are not naturally resting on the rail, may also indicate a lack of sound installation practice. The necessary skills and knowledge can be acquired by taking part in training at a UDT-accredited training centre, which is the first step towards obtaining a RES installer certificate. One of the few training centres in Małopolska running a RES course – authorised fitter of photovoltaic systems – is Central Refrigeration Centre “COCH” in Kraków Sp. z o.o.

Training at the COCH Accredited Training Centre in Kraków

Central Refrigeration Centre “COCH” in Kraków Sp. z o.o. runs training enabling participants to obtain a RES installer certificate. Pursuant to the Act of 20 February 2015 on renewable energy sources, persons applying for this certificate should complete training at a unit that is a training centre accredited by the Office of Technical Inspection. Central Refrigeration Centre “COCH” Sp. z o.o. holds accreditation to conduct training in photovoltaic systems (OZE-A/12/00104/20) and heat pumps (OZE-A/12/00105/20). Pursuant to Article 146 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act, as an accredited training organiser it meets a number of requirements: it has a training management system; it has premises and equipment guaranteeing proper conduct of training; it has staff with the qualifications necessary to conduct training; it has obtained accreditation from the President of UDT for training appropriate to the given type of renewable energy source.

Conditions for obtaining a certificate

An installer with full legal capacity who has not been convicted by a final court judgment of an offence against the credibility of documents or against economic turnover may apply for a certificate. An important condition is completion of training organised by an accredited body, confirmed by a certificate, and passing an examination before a UDT board. In addition, the installer should hold at least one of the documents listed below: a document confirming qualifications in the area of installing sanitary, energy, heating, refrigeration or electrical equipment or installations; a document confirming three years’ professional experience in installing or modernising sanitary, energy, heating, refrigeration or electrical equipment and installations; a certificate of completion of at least 2-semester postgraduate studies with curriculum content corresponding to the given RES installation; a certificate confirming participation in training conducted by a manufacturer of the given type of RES installation. A certificate may also be issued to an installer holding a professional diploma confirming qualifications in the occupation of technician of renewable energy devices and systems, or a diploma of completion of higher education (in a field or specialisation related to renewable energy source (RES) installations, or in the area of sanitary, energy, power engineering, heating, refrigeration, thermal, air-conditioning or electrical equipment or installations, issued after 1 September 2005). Training makes it possible to acquire theoretical knowledge as well as the practical skills necessary in this case. The course includes an introduction to legal regulations relating to the application and use of photovoltaic systems, including the rights and obligations of a certified installer. During the training, the basic principles of systems using the photoelectric effect and the types of components used in them are discussed. Participants have the opportunity to learn how to select systems, install and adjust them, as well as modernise them and maintain them in proper technical condition. A RES certificate gives assurance that the holder knows the principles of operation and installation of the equipment forming the installation and can handle complex equipment selection and installation problems. It is also worth noting that holding a certificate confirming competence often makes it easier to gain the trust of a client or employer and can be a strong card when choosing an installation contractor for private as well as public contracts. REFERENCES: Poland’s Energy Policy until 2040. Annex to Resolution No. 22/2021 of the Council of Ministers of 2 February 2021. Institute for Renewable Energy. Photovoltaic market in Poland. 2021. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Available online: https://www.irena.org/solar. [accessed 26.07.2021]. BŁOŃSKI R.: Hyundai has developed modules intended for operation on water, in: gramwzielone.pl. Available online: https://gramwzielone.pl/energiasloneczna/105937/ hyundaiopracowalmodulyprzeznaczone-do-pracy-na-wodzie Photovoltaic arches, or a new structure for agrivoltaics, in: gramwzielone.pl. Available online: https://gramwzielone.pl/energiasloneczna/105942/ fotowoltaicznelukiczylinowa-konstrukcja-dla-agrofotowoltaiki. ŻUCHOWSKI S.: Development of the heat pump market in Poland, Polska Energetyka Słoneczna, No. I–IV/2017 Based on: MIROWSKI T., SORNEK K.: Potential of prosumer energy in Poland on the example of photovoltaic micro-installations in individual buildings. Polityka Energetyczna, 2015, 18. Available online: http://yadda.icm.edu.pl/baztech/element/bwmeta1.element.baztech-f48e6002-094e-48ef-89a8-dbbdf1d818a7. SZYMAŃSKI B.: Photovoltaic installations. 2020 edition. Act of 20 February 2015 on renewable energy sources. Journal of Laws 2015, item 478. Prepared on the basis of: consolidated text, Journal of Laws 2021, items 610, 1093. AUTHORS: Anna RYBAK, MSc Eng.; Miłosz GRATKOWSKI